Question

Muhammad called upon his followers to learn to read and write, and calligraphy quickly became an important tool for government business and religion. Islamic manuscript decoration is characterized by all but one of the elements below. Which does NOT belong? __________

A. Rosettes drawn to separate verses
B. Intricate geometric and arabesque designs
C. Ornate vowel marks
D. Figurative illustrations

Answer 1

D. Figurative illustrations

Figurative illustrations do not belong to Islamic manuscripts decoration because their religion forbids them to create illustrations of the divine. So, they focus their art on calligraphy, like rosettes, geometric design, and ornate vowel marks. Moreover, figurative illustrations belong more in other civilization where images are important, like Egypt for example.